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SEN Transport - Transition Guide

Consultation 10th July to 24th September 2025

Please note that between 10th July and 24th September 2025 we are consulting about proposed changes to the Post-16 parental contribution for SEN home to school transport.

Find out more and Have Your Say: Post-16 SEN Home to School Transport Parental Contribution consultation | Have Your Say Sheffield

Encouraging Active Travel and Public Transport

We encourage walking, cycling, and using public transport whenever possible. We support young people to travel on their own (to be independent).  This is an important part of preparing for adulthood.

5 cartoon characters, one is in a wheelchair

Choosing a Post-16 Setting and how to get there

When choosing which Post 16 setting to apply for, it is important to think about how you will get there. Some young people qualify for post 16 travel support, but this isn’t the case for everyone. 

Sheffield City Council Travel Support

Sheffield City Council offers travel support.  This is in line with its Post-16 Travel and Transport Policy. This includes:

  • Independent travel training.  This helps young people develop the skills and confidence to travel on their own.
  • Free travel passes.
  • Money back for travel costs to and from school or college.
  • Minibus or taxi transport, usually shared with other young people.

SEN Transport Cost

There is a family cost of £540 a year for travel support in Post-16 education.  This is a contribution towards the total cost of the transport that is used. This amount is based on going to school/college 5 days a week.  This amount can reduce depending on the number of days you attend. The contribution can be paid by Direct Debit, an online payment or a standing order.

You may be able to get a 16-19 bursary to help with this cost. Your school, college, or training provider can give you the forms to complete.

Travel support is not provided for:

  • Travel to work experiences.
  • Medical appointments.
  • Off-site visits.
  • Internships and apprenticeships.

Responsibility for these remains with your parents/carers, school, or college.

Applying for Post-16 SEN Travel Support

You need to re-apply for travel support each year. It is not automatic after compulsory school age. Applications are assessed based on:

  • Your needs and the distance you travel to school/college.
  • Whether the route can be walked safely.

Having an Education, Health, and Care Plan does not guarantee travel support. You can qualify for travel support without one.

A young person usually won’t get travel support just because their parents are busy with work or other responsibilities.

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In this section

  1. Introduction to the Transition Guide
  2. Preparing for Adulthood
  3. Sheffield's Local Offer
  4. What happens and when - Early Years (age 0-4)
  5. What happens and when - Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (age 5-7)
  6. What happens and when - Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 (age 7-11)
  7. What happens and when - Year 7 and Year 8 (age 11-13)
  8. What happens and when - Year 9 (age 13-14)
  9. What happens and when - Year 10 (age 14-15)
  10. What happens and when - Year 11 (Age 15-16)
  11. What happens and when - Year 12 (age 16-17)
  12. What happens and when - Years 13 and 14 (Age 17-19)
  13. What happens and when - Age 19-25
  14. Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans - Transition Guide
  15. Education, Employment and Training - GCSEs and Help in Exams - Transition Guide
  16. Post 16 Education - Transition Guide
  17. A Guide to Qualifications at 16+ - Transition Guide
  18. Apprenticeships and Supported Internships - Transition Guide
  19. Things to do when not in college - Transition Guide
  20. University and Higher Education - Transition Guide
  21. Careers Advice - Transition Guide
  22. 1) Help with finding and keeping a job - Transition Guide
  23. 2) Help with finding and keeping a job - Transition Guide
  24. 3) Help with finding and keeping a job - Transition Guide
  25. Leisure - Transition Guide
  26. SEN Transport - Transition Guide
  27. Independent Travel Training
  28. Other Travel Support and useful Apps - Transition Guide
  29. Social Care Services - Transition Guide
  30. Moving from Children’s to Adult Social Care Services - Transition Guide
  31. Paying for adult social care - Transition Guide
  32. Getting a carer’s assessment for your parent/carer - Transition Guide
  33. Short Break Services - Transition Guide
  34. Direct payments for social care services - Transition Guide
  35. Housing - Transition Guide
  36. Decision making and mental capacity - Transition Guide
  37. Transitioning from Children’s Health to Adult Health Services - Transition Guide
  38. Annual Health Checks for people with a learning disability - Transition Guide
  39. Important Local NHS Health Services - Transition Guide
  40. Mental Health Services - Transition Guide
  41. 1) Finance and Benefits: Disability Living Allowance, Direct Payments and Appointeeship - Transition Guide
  42. 2) Finance and Benefits: Universal Credit - Transition Guide
  43. 3) Finance and Benefits: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund - Transition Guide
  44. 4) Finance and Benefits: Banking, Wills and Trusts and Child Benefit - Transition Guide
  45. Further help and support - Transition guide